Meet Paul, Our Youth Ambassador

Paul is an energetic eleven year old full of determination. He likes to dance, make up rap songs, tell bad jokes and make people laugh. He is also very passionate about sports and was awarded a Yes I Can! award for athletics in 2016/17.

Paul Hamm

“It felt great. A lot of people were congratulating me. I thought to myself, this has got to be a big deal.” Paul shares with a big grin stretched across his face.

As a child born with Cerebral Palsy, Paul strives to not let anything slow him down. With support from SMD, he receives respite, therapy and service coordination and also participates in the Sledge Hockey Program. Last year Paul won the Mark Scheifele award for Break Out Player of the Year. He attributes his involvement with sledge hockey as a key ingredient in his motivation to be the best that he can be.

Paul is also active playing baseball, swimming and running cross country. “I forget about my Cerebral Palsy. I like to see how far I can go. I just go out there and have fun. I push other kids. I like to say, hey you are doing good. Let’s see more of what you got.”

The Yes I Can! Awards were created to recognize the achievements of students who have special needs and of the adults who support them. The awards are presented as part of the annual conference of the Manitoba Council for Exceptional Children.

In addition to his awards, Paul was selected as the 2019/2020 Youth Ambassador for the Society for Manitobans with Disabilities. As the Youth Ambassador, he will be the face and voice for SMD while attending various functions, events and campaigns. He will gain valuable experience speaking in front of small/large groups and the media while having fun meeting new people! We look forward to Paul sharing his story and being a champion for people of all abilities!